Supporting Your Application: Yorkshire MedTech Webinar Series

Events

We recently hosted two webinars providing practical guidance on developing strong applications to our impact funding schemes, . Both recordings are now available on our YouTube channel.

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Proof of Market and Proof of Feasibility Applications (23 October 2025)

This webinar focused on our £15k Proof of Market and £40k Proof of Feasibility funding streams. Prof Paul Hatton (Co-Investigator for Yorkshire MedTech, University of Sheffield) provided an overview, followed by practical considerations from Alex Wilkinson (Insigneo Institute, University of Sheffield). Successful applicants Ralf Richter (University of Leeds) and Tom Paterson (University of Sheffield) shared their experiences and lessons learned.

Proof of Concept Applications (24 October 2025)

This session addressed our £120k Proof of Concept funding. Prof Ruth Wilcox (Principal Investigator for Yorkshire MedTech, University of Leeds) introduced the call, with Graeme Howling (Medipex) outlining key considerations for writing a strong application. Christoph Walti and Alison Jones (both University of Leeds) provided insights from their successful applications.

Both webinars concluded with Q&A sessions addressing specific questions from potential applicants.
Key Themes
  • Market Validation is Critical
Our experts emphasized that most applications that fail at panel can be traced back to incomplete or poor market research. Applicants need solid market validation and should take a problem-first approach rather than starting with a solution looking for a problem. An international perspective on the market opportunity is also important.
  • Get Your IP Strategy Clear
Clarity around intellectual property and having a coherent IP strategy emerged as a fundamental requirement. Panels need to understand what you own, what you can protect, and how this positions you competitively.
  • Think Beyond Your Funding
Proof of Concept funding won’t take you all the way to market. Successful applications clearly articulate their follow-on plan and ultimate route to market. Reviewers want to see that you understand the full journey ahead, not just the immediate project.
  • Translation, Not Research
Projects can fall into the trap of being research-focused rather than translational in nature. Your technology needs to be in the right space and heading towards innovation and translational goals – this is about derisking technology, not generating more academic outputs. Address the main risks early in your project: if it’s going to fail, find that out quickly.
  • Regional Benefit Matters
As a place-based programme, clearly articulating the benefit to the Yorkshire region is important. How does your project strengthen the regional ecosystem, create jobs, or build capabilities?
Watch the webinars on our YouTube channel to hear these insights in full, along with valuable perspectives from successful applicants.

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